Meet Pantea Ommi | Actor/Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pantea Ommi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pantea, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I love a quote from Carl Sagan – “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”. There is something about it that simultaneously makes me feel so large and small. The idea that I am made of the same stuff that puts together the starts I look up to in awe each night makes me think “well then, I should also be in awe of myself.” But the idea of me being this small portion of it all makes me think “chill out, don’t take it all so seriously.” You know? Like, if the universe has been surviving, and growing, and shining all these billions of years – then I will be fine – because we are one and the same. And this is all that the quote makes me feel before even getting to the last line – that last line. as a story teller – is everything. “We are a way for the universe to know itself.” Isn’t that what our stories do when we share them? They are a way for the listener to recognize something they see in themselves and to find a sense of unity in that. A sense that they are seen, and they belong. It’s all just so grand and simple at the same time – and I love it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Mine is a story of rebirth, and knowing that just because you gave up on something once doesn’t mean you gave up on it (and yourself) for good. My passion for acting began as a young girl in school. I received my BA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television and an MFA from The University of Alabama/Alabama Shakespeare Festival. For years after I graduated I performed on stages across the country. But in 2010 I broke up with acting, and went back to school to get an MBA from UC Irvine. I fell out of love with acting, and the struggle of the business. But if 2020 taught me anything, it’s that life is too short to give up on the things that bring you joy. I went back to the stage with gusto with Shakespeare by the Sea, and Little Fish Theater. And it was productions here that led me to Kimleigh Smith – who has been encouraging me to take control of my own career by creating content for myself. Which brings us to the Solo Play Festival. The truth is – 13 years ago if someone suggested I write a play about myself and perform, I would have laughed and walked away. I wasn’t ready for this kind of self-discovery then. I don’t know if I’m ready for it now – but I’m at least courageous enough to attempt it – ha! I think the biggest lesson this whole experience has taught me is that just because you walk away from something once, doesn’t mean you walk away from it for good. Sometimes you are just not ready for certain things at certain times. I wasn’t ready to take control of my acting career 13 years ago – but today me has learned through those years that failure is more than ok – it’s invigorating. Because it shows us how resilient we can be. So that’s my brand – the girl who gave herself a second chance. If I can teach anyone anything it’s that we are all worth a second chance at making a dream come true. You never know what could happen the second time around.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh – if someone came to visit me for a week and let me take them anywhere I wanted, here is what I would do. Day One: Start slow
– go to the Vedanta Society for a walk around the monastery and some grounding in the meditation room (to prepare them for what’s to come)
– get something to eat and stroll the street at Los Rios St. in San Juan Capistrano
– get a Date Shake at Shake Shack and walk along Crystal Cove to watch the sunset
– pick up some yummies from Giselle’s Bakery (gluten free and vegan goodness)
Day 2: Head to Joshua Tree
– head out to my families land near J-Tree
– pack the car with some local yummies to cook
– spend the night under the stars and enjoy some off the grid time
– stop at Pappy and Harriet’s before hitting the road to go home
Day 3
– hike to the Hollywood sign
– go to Sugar Taco for lunch
Day 4
– head to Ventura County and take a ferry to the Channel Islands
– go kayaking/snorkling
– probably spend the night in Ventura so we can do a taco crawl the next day
Day 5
– head back towards LA but stop at the Inn of the Seventh Ray for dinner
– relax at the Self Realization Temple
– go to Malibu
Day 6
– go to Big Bear for the day (if it’s winter – for tubing, if it’s summer for zip lining or water sports or hikes)
– get an early dinner at the Himalayan Restaurant
Day 7
– Start the morning with coffee at The Lost Bean
– go back to Newport for Bear Flag for lunch
– head to the Peninsula/Balboa Island are for a stroll
– drop them off at John Wayne (yeah – they need to take a red eye home – I need all the time I can get)

Places I would need to figure out how to get them to eat at along the way:
– Irvine Grill for yummy Persian food
– Good Town Doughnuts
– El Camino Cafe
– Follow Your Heart
– Anywhere in The Camp and The Lab in Costa Mesa

I know there is so much more – but I panic and forget things when people ask me. I need to sit down and research this. When are you coming over?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am eternally grateful for all the strong women the universe has sent my way: Kimliegh Smith – actor/writer/director/producer/everything extraordinaire who recognized something in me and took a chance on cultivating it. My grandmother, Ghamar Vosough Ommi – for showing me how the strength of a woman can keep a family together through any situation., Khaleh Jan Azar, my great aunt – for showing me the power of compassion, intuition, and self-respect. My amazing aunts – by blood and marriage, The great Ommi Sisters – Sheila, Shiva, Shahlah, and Sholeh, Nassrein Shojaei, and Rose Mary Mallen – for showing me that women do indeed rule the world. And my mother, Shohreh Ommi, who has been by rock and my wings for all my life.

Instagram: pantea_om

Image Credits
Headshots: Theo and Juliet Still Shots: Mickey Elliot Photography